Youth Programs and Education

Teaching the next generation about animal care

The Sandton SPCA is actively involved in providing opportunities for animal education and community engagement. Our goal is to promote empathy, kindness, respect, and responsibility towards all animals.

Our Education Program consists of the following key engagements:

School Visits

We believe that humane education is fundamental in teaching people to respect and care for animals. Throughout the year, our Education Team teaches school children about responsible pet care, animal welfare principles and the goals and mission of the SPCA. School children from impoverished communities are encouraged to bring their pets to the Sandton SPCA for free sterilisation and parasite control as part of our education programme.

More information on our school visits:

Primary and senior school presentations are 30 minutes

It can be arranged that we address Individual classes or grades, alternatively the entire school.

The information presented is adapted to suit the age of the group. We also take into consideration any specific topic that the school would like us to cover.

There is a charge of R10.00 per learner for the visit. This is to help cover the costs of our education programme.

School visits are scheduled for a Friday, and if needed we can also assist on a Monday or Wednesday.

Shelter VIsits

We welcome schools to visit our kennel facilities at the Sandton SPCA to learn first-hand what our organisation is about.

The shelter visit is roughly one and a half hours and includes:

Information about the Sandton SPCA and the work that we do;

how animals end up at the SPCA;

the adoption process; and

more about the people who work at the SPCA

At the end there is an opportunity to interact with the animals which is always fun.

Schools are encouraged to arrange a fundraising drive beforehand, this will assist the Sandton SPCA with our outreach programme. The fundraising drive includes the collection of dog & cat food, blankets or a money collection.

School Community Service Opportunities

We welcome learners needing to complete their School Community Service assignments. School Community Service at the Sandton SPCA is supervised by a staff member or trained adult volunteer. Only specific dates are scheduled for pupils to do their community service.

More on School Community Service Opportunities:

We have on-site and off-site Community Service options available. For more information contact our Education Officer.

Before learners are able to sign up for the off-site options they need to complete at least one 3-hour session as the Sandton SPCA.

First-Saturday-of-the-month Programme (Age 12 to 18)

The first Saturday morning of every month (except December) from 9 am until 12 noon is scheduled for school community service.

Your first visit to the Sandton SPCA starts with a short education session and tour of our facilities before you spend time with the animals. This gives us the opportunity to explain how the Sandton SPCA works and how you will be helping us. Subsequent visits (on scheduled dates) can include an activity, assisting kennel staff and interaction with our animals.

We do ask for a donation of R100 for the visit on the first Saturday in support of our programme.

Please bring a snack and drink for yourself and wear comfortable, old clothes.

Ready to get the kids involved?

If you are within our area of operation and would like to have our education officer visit your school or would like more information on our school community service opportunities, please contact us on 011 444 7730 or send an email to education@sandtonspca.org.za